McKenzie Dowrick (16) and sister Abbey (13) play in the WA Football Commission Youth Girls competition.
Camera IconMcKenzie Dowrick (16) and sister Abbey (13) play in the WA Football Commission Youth Girls competition. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek d459776

Jindalee sisters have bright footy future

Laura PondNorth Coast Times

The Butler College students recently moved with their family from Kambalda, where they had both played in the Goldfields Football League junior competition since they were eight.

They now play for Subiaco’s Coastal Titans in the WA Football Commission Youth Girls competition and are both making their mark.

Abbey was named the Titans’ Youth Girls most valuable player this year, was runner-up best and fairest in the competition, and was selected in the 2016 School Sport Australia All Australian under-15 girls team.

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McKenzie made the School Sport All Australian team and under-16 State youth girls team last year and in May, played in an all-stars under-18 youth girls team prior to the national women’s exhibition match in Melbourne.

“It was really exciting and fun,” she said.

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“It was a lot different to the previous year, they seemed more professional.”

McKenzie always wanted to play football; she was water girl for her brother’s team and started playing as soon as she was allowed.

“I tried other sports but I seemed to like football the best,” she said.

“At the start of games, when we did the coin toss, there would sometimes be laughing and giggling from the other team.

“It didn’t bother me.”

Abbey followed her siblings into the sport and said she enjoyed the social aspect.

“I like meeting new people and making new friends,” she said.

This was her first year playing in an all-girls team and she said being selected for the national team was satisfying.

“It was pretty good knowing that I was good enough and that I played well,” she said.

Both girls hope to play in the national women’s league in the future, with McKenzie focused on being drafted once she turns 18.

“It’s really exciting that it’s finally happening,” she said.

“I’d hopefully like to be drafted to either the Fremantle Dockers or West Coast, if a team comes out.”